Absolute Park Front Living

Apartment 1310 32.52

From the views from apartment 1310, one could easily think one was in New York. In reality, the fortunate residents of this 135 square-metre apartment have unimpeded views over Fawkner Park, with glimpses of the city skyline in the distance.

The high ceilings that extend from the open plan living areas to the eastern terrace further accentuate these impressive views1. Landmarks, such as Christ Church, on the corner of Toorak and Punt roads, South Yarra, is a permanent landmark on the horizon, as is the avenue of trees in the foreground, leading to Fawkner Park. There’s virtually a verdant green path folding out in front of one’s residence.

Apartment 1310, located on the building’s eastern elevation, not only benefits from generous ceiling heights(2.85m), but a terrace that provides for fine alfresco dining1. Accessed from large sliding doors framing the kitchen and living areas, as well as a door leading from the main bedroom suite, there’s a strong connection to the outdoors wherever one happens to be in this generous
light-filled apartment.

Cleverly designed by K.P.D.O. Architecture + Interior Design, the kitchen and living areas within this apartment, benefit not only from these verdant views but also the morning light. Unusual in this apartment is the strategic location of the kitchen, partially concealed to one side but still benefiting from the eastern aspect and views2.

As well as a generous flamed-granite island bench (approximately 900 millimetres in width)3 separating the kitchen from the living areas (seating four people), there is generous storage. Although there isn’t a separate butler’s kitchen, K.P.D.O. create a built-in utility area with open shelves and built-in joinery, out of sight but welcome for those who prefer a little discretion when preparing food4. Every conceivable kitchen appliance has also been included with a state-of-the-art NEFF integrated dishwasher5 and the latest in Gaggenau appliances6. Even the simplest yet often forgotten items are included, such as the retractable steel drawers under the sink for cleaning equipment. Two ovens, one being a steam oven, can also be found. And instead of awkward cupboards, each drawer comes with a ‘soft close’.

One of the challenges in apartment living is providing sufficient wall space for paintings. People become attached to their art and not surprisingly, are hesitant to put treasured pieces into storage. In apartment 1310, there are generous and ‘unbroken’ walls that accommodate large paintings or a series of smaller works7. And even with this art, there’s still sufficient room for a wide-screen television. There’s also a sense of generosity in the open plan dining and living area. The dining area, for example, can comfortably accommodate eight people around a table8, and the lounge easily fits two three-seater couches9. The owners, who will enjoy the vistas every day, will more than likely offer their guests the seating facing Fawkner Park.

As with a detached house, apartment 1310 has been cleverly zoned into wings, one for the main bedroom suite10, the other being for the secondary bedrooms11. Although not apparent from the living areas, the main bedroom suite, with its walk-in-dressing area and ensuite, is concealed, with a single door allowing the two areas to be kept separate10. The secondary suite of two bedrooms and a shared bathroom is located on the other side of the living areas11. This allows for greater privacy for either adult children living in or staying over, as well as guests who appreciate a sense of independence.

The main bedroom, orientated to Fawkner Park, features an unusual glazing system that allows the large glass doors to be pulled back to create a Juliet-style balcony12. This bedroom, complete with a separate sitting nook13, also benefits from a southern window. This enforces a pavilion-like effect with light and importantly ventilation through operable windows and doors. Storage is also generous, with his-and-her walk-in dressing areas14. Where else would you find two baths in an apartment?15 In this instance, there’s a freestanding bath in the ensuite and also in the secondary bedroom wing. And without compromising on finishes, each bathroom features flamed-granite benches, terrazzo floors and built-in mirrors/vanities. Smoked glass in both areas also separates showers from toilets.

Storage is something that is on most people’s wish lists when moving from a large family home to an apartment. Although there are storage cages in the basement for residents, being able to access belongings easily is paramount. In the case of apartment 1310, as with the others at the Fawkner Residences, there is abundant storage. Here, there’s an entire wall of limed oak built-in joinery, some complete with shelving that is almost nine metres in length (including the linen press16). Having a wider than usual corridor16 also means the European-style laundry (concealed behind a portion of this joinery) is a pleasure to use. Built-in cupboards in the two secondary bedrooms also allow the floor to remain uncluttered. K.P.D.O. also included an unusual mirror/vanity cupboard in the guest powder room, with a lovely touch of being able to also display flowers on a shelf.

Unlike many apartments where one enters and can see the entire apartment at a glance, at 1310 there’s a sense of discovery, with rooms only appearing beyond key thresholds. And as with the home left behind, there’s a rich garden aspect that takes you into another realm completely.

The terrace with impressive park views

Partially concealed kitchen

Generous kitchen island bench seats 4

Concealed kitchen utility area

Integrated Neff dishwasher

Latest Gaggenau appliances

Art wall

8 seat dining arrangement

Living comfortably fits 2 x 3 seat lounges

Concealed main suite

Secondary bedrooms wing

Double sliding doors opening to Juliet balcony

Seating nook

His and Hers walk in robes

Two free standing baths

Extensive built in storage behind floor to ceiling oak joinery

Wide corridors

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The information and images in this website are intended as a general introduction to The Fawkner and do not form an offer, guarantee or contract. Please note that whilst reasonable care is taken to ensure that the contents of this website are correct, this information is to be used as a guide only. All plans and images are conceptual only and may change at any time without notice. The computer generated images of apartments are indicative only. This material was prepared prior to the completion of design and construction of the building featured. The developer reserves the right to amend the finish and selections that constitute the external and internal fabric of the development due to unforeseen building constraints and product availability. Purchasers must rely on their own enquiries and the contract for sale. Published March 2015.